The Tennessee Titans’ practice session turned chaotic on a scorching 96-degree afternoon when rookie quarterback Cam Ward and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons got into a shoving match.
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— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 18, 2025
Heated practice in the sweltering heat
The confrontation started after Ward threw a touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley late in practice. Ward celebrated with his trademark “Zombieland” move directly in front of Simmons, but not before giving him a shove. Simmons fired back with a two-handed push to Ward’s facemask, setting off a sideline storm. Offensive linemen immediately sprinted over to protect their quarterback, and Simmons’ helmet ended up on the ground during the scuffle.
Ward stayed on the field for the next play while Simmons was pulled out. Just two snaps later, practice ended, and head coach Brian Callahan had the team run sprints to close the day.
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Trash talk sets the stage
Tensions had been brewing for a while. On the play before Ward’s touchdown, running back Julius Chestnut scored on a short run after rookie right tackle JC Latham sealed Simmons out of the lane. Latham jawed at Simmons all the way back to the huddle, and the defensive star had already been chirping with Ward and the offense throughout camp.
“It’s simple,” left tackle Dan Moore Jr. said afterward. “Nobody touches our quarterback. Period.”
Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. admitted that while fights happen in camp, this one was different. “When it’s the quarterback, you have to shut it down fast. But it also shows he’s not backing down. Cam has that fight in him.”
No words from Ward or Simmons
Neither Ward nor Simmons spoke to reporters after practice. Both are known for bringing intensity to the field, and teammates expect that edge to continue. All eyes will be on Titans come Tuesday.
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